LGBTQ Annotation: After the Parade by Lori Ostlund
Synopsis (Spoiler free): Aaron is a middle aged man who decides to leave his emotionally manipulative partner and set out for a new life in San Francisco. However starting over is not as easy as Aaron hoped. Before he can truly start over he must confront the person that he is and all of the events in his life that made him into that person.
Pacing: The pacing of this book focuses heavily on flashbacks with more time being spent of Aaron's childhood or even stories of his time with his partner rather than in the present. This means that the main story moves at a very slow pace. That being said the flashbacks are mostly self contained stories that are interesting to listen to.
Storyline: This story has strong themes of being an outsider and trying to find one's place in the world. While Aaron is homosexual, he is fine with that fact about himself making the story revolve more about how other people treat him because of this. Ultimately it is used as another way that he feels that he does not fit in.
Characters: Aaron is the focus of this book with all other characters being tangential when they are not directly interacting with him. Aaron is an unhappy main character that is trying to learn to live with himself after a tumultuous life where he never felt like he belonged.
Setting: The setting for this novel is modern day within the United States. It jumps around to different locations but mainly is in a small town in the Midwest and San Fransico.
Tone: The tone of this discontent. It is a driving factor in Aaron's life and is very evident in the flash backs, making it seem like he doesn't like himself and is upset about the way his life has taken him.
Language: Aaron is a language professor which influences the language of the book. There are many times that the books talks about the different connotations that phrases have to draw the reader's awareness to how phrases in the book have certain things they imply.
Read-alikes:
Six Metres of Pavement by Farzana Doctor
Hood by Emma Donoghue
References
Photo from goodreads.com.
I am sure there are many 'Aarons' out there that are unhappy with their lives. This novel is a way for readers to know they are not alone in their situations. Maybe this book can help people come to terms with who they are and what they want out of life. Maybe, It can help them see they can make the necessary changes to be happy.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds interesting! I don't know if this is on point or not, but it almost reminds me of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, only that book takes place over a summer or a school year. I can't quite remember.
ReplyDeleteHaving a literature degree before my library degree, I ended up reading a lot of books about middle-aged white dudes sifting through their regrets, bad decisions, and perceived persecutions. This sounds like a mimic of the genre but... with something pertinent to say? And possibly encouraging empathy for a minority? Shocking. Does it have a satisfactory ending? What did you think?
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds really good. I also think the cover is eye catching. Would you recommend it for a book club? We're always looking for books that would lend themselves to great conversation.
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of positive things about this book. Did you personally enjoy it? Your appeals are well written and constructed, as is your summary. Great job and full points!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I did not care much for the book with how negative the main character was for most of it. That being said I thought the end was very satisfying and well done.
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